Philodendron Information
What is a Congo Rojo philodendron? Native to South America, the Congo Rojo is different from many other philodendrons in that it doesn’t have a climbing or vining habit. Growing instead in a “self-heading” manner, it grows both outward and upward, peaking at about 2 feet (61 cm.) in height and 2 ½ feet (76 cm.) in width. Its flowers are very fragrant and come in shades of red, green, and white.
Caring for Philodendron Congo Rojo
Caring for a philodendron Congo Rojo is very easy, as long as you keep it warm. The plant is very cold sensitive and will suffer serious damage below 40 F. (4 C.). While it can tolerate short periods of extreme heat, it will also have trouble if exposed to temperatures over 100 F. (38 C.) for too long. Its ideal temperatures are between 76 and 86 F. (24-30 C.) during the day and between 65 and 72 F. (18-22 C.) at night. These tend to correspond to most household temperatures and, as such, growing a philodendron Congo Rojo as a houseplant is very common. Two or three plants in a 10-inch (25 cm.) container make for a full, attractive display. It needs at least partial shade to prevent scorching by the sun, and it will tolerate full shade. It prefers acidic to neutral soil that drains very easily. The plant is a very heavy feeder and does well with two or three applications per year of slow release fertilizer.
